Using ecosystems to address climate change - ecosystem based adaptation

Abstract

Climate change is altering and damaging marine and coastal ecosystems around the world. Sea-level rise, erosion, the increased severity of storms and flooding, ocean acidification and coral bleaching are already causing devastation to coasts around the world. This affects the livelihoods of people that depend on the services provided by these ecosystems, including food security, clean drinking water, medicines, recreational values and often the buffer that they offer to communities from extreme weather events. However, ecosystems need to be managed so that they continue to provide these important services and help coastal communities adapt to the impacts they face from climate change. Ecosystem-based management actions can help communities adapt to climate change, and are already an integral part of UNEP’s Programme of Work.